G-Forces, Gravity and Grandma

“I was expecting a flip in a light aircraft, but what was offered to me was much more interesting than that … I removed my shoes to be more comfortable in the front cockpit, and was securely strapped into the aircraft. Jean took off and showed me how to loop the Extra 300, then allowed me to try one. After first getting the feel of the aircraft, I completed a loop. The aircraft handled so beautifully - powerful, light, very sensitive and responsive. It is an absolute pleasure to fly the Extra 300. I loved every moment.”

                                                                                                                                             - Yvonne

There was no stopping her. Not ever. And why would anyone. She was living her best life. Each and every day. Mom’s mantra, Do the job properly or not at all,  filtered through every aspect of our childhood. It became an integral part of who I am. What I stand for. With Mom, everything she did was achieved at full throttle.

Yvonne lived her dreams. Creating them in that brilliant mind of hers. Making each one a reality. Discussing them with my sister and I whilst washing dishes, managing a mango farm or in between the many mercy-flights she did. Most of which took place in the worst weather conditions. 

Mom’s passion for life was contagious. She addressed senior school students at various international schools in both Asia and South Africa. Assuring them that they could be anything they wished to be. That the sky was not the limit. That there was space. And outer space. She told them how school could interfere with their education. Her blue eyes twinkling with the spirit of adventure and mischief whilst doing so.

I remember well sharing a tuk-tuk in the manic peak-hour traffic of Bangkok with Mom. As nerve-wracking as that was, exhilaration filled the air. Tears fell from my eyes. Not of sadness, but of immense pride for my mom. Tears that held a deep respect for Mom’s energy and for her outlook towards everything in existence.  For her passion. And her sheer guts. 

And so it came that, at the age of eighty-six, Mom gingerly climbed onto the wing of the Extra 300 as it stood silently waiting on the apron. Throughout her career as a senior commercial pilot, Mom had flown barefoot. Explaining that she had better control of the rudder pedals. This made sense as she handled a plane with sensitivity and the utmost respect. True to form, her shoes were handed over. The captain supported her arm whilst she lowered herself into the seat. 

Tucked up and strapped in securely, the smile on her face could not have been wider.  Her joy could not have been more evident. Mom was exactly where she wanted to be. The aerobatic aircraft, the type used by the famous Red Bulls aerobatic team, taxied out onto the runway. 

A thumbs up and they were off. The sky over Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, South Africa, played host to Mom’s dreams that day. A playground of crisp blue greeted her as the plane soared higher and higher. Providing space and freedom in which she could once more execute barrel-rolls, spins and loops. Enjoying the sensations and the magnificent views of Mother Earth. From very different angles. Viewpoints that provided a different perspective to all that became so seemingly tiny and insignificant on earth. 

Despite a car accident five months earlier, in which Mom had slight injuries to her back, neck and ribs, she was pulling negative G’s. Completely immersing herself in the ecstasy felt when one dances amongst the odd wisps of white cloud. A huge, perfect space in which one is temporarily free from the earthly attachments. The complete happiness on her face never diminishing for a second. In those blue eyes of hers, twinkled what can only be described as sheer exhilaration. For Mom was doing aerobatics once more. At eighty -six, she revisited her happy place. The magnificent sky. 

In November 2015 The Airline Pilots Association of South Africa presented Mom with a prestigious award. That which paid tribute to her for having served Aviation honourably and with distinction over the past 60 years and for having made a significant contribution to piloting and championing the cause for women in aviation. Her ground-breaking achievements, which paved the way for women pilots to be employed in airline commercial aviation in South Africa, were finally celebrated.

On landing, our spirited mom, with all her incredible accomplishments under her belt, allowed the child in her to celebrate her flight by enjoying a chocolate milkshake afterwards.

Thank you Jean Rossouw for helping Mom to relive that magic.